New for January 2024

Every time I write the new year, 2024, it feels so strange and I have to double and triple check. I'm trying to figure out where not only last year went, but where did January go?!?!? Our pepper plants managed to survive until winter hit a week ago, when the deep freeze came, and our garden is officially done until spring. By Texas standards, that means next week. 

It has been a doozy of a past six months, and I'm grateful for the joys that can be found in each day. Our family has done morning and evening devotions in the Psalms, we are now in Micah. We did a home group study in Revelation, and then Ecclesiastes, and a Sunday school study in Leviticus. It has been deep, and rich, and so desperately needed. I have found incredible strength in His word, and have more ideas swirling in my head for stitching patterns than I have hours in the day!

MBT-306 Causing Trouble

I needed something sassy. Super sassy. This pattern fits that requirement, as well as being about the dearest friendship. You know those friends - those who are either bailing you out or sitting right next to you, also waiting on bail money. May we one day be the old ladies causing trouble in the nursing home. I look forward to walker races (at a snail's pace, of course) and sneaking extra desserts for one another. Model stitched with Weeks Dye Works thread on 28 ct. Picture This Plus lugana, Sterling. Stitch count is 91w x 91h.

MBT-307 Let Your Light Shine

Scripture from Matthew 5:16. This is third in the short and sweet scripture circles. Model stitched with Weeks Dye Works thread on 28 ct. jobelan, Lambswool. Stitch count is 65w x 65h.

MBT-308 Be Thou My Vision

This hymn has been two years in the stitching, and at least three years in the works. It is one of my favorite hymns and I couldn't narrow down the verses for a small design, so you get all five. I was working on this at a needlework retreat and so appreciate the encouragement that all of the stitchers gave. Thank you. Model stitched with Gentle Art Sampler Thread on 32 ct. linen, Clay/Barn Grey. Stitch count is 245w x 421h.

MBT-309 Pursue Kindness

I love doing this circle series with simple sentiments and encouragements. They would be beautiful stitched over one, as ornaments, or sewn into a quilt. Model stitched with Gentle Art Sampler Thread on 32 ct. country french linen, Cafe Mocha.

I don't have any regular line accessories to add right now. I have some cute new things in the Etsy shop, things that are unique and available in small quantities, but hope to have more regular line items when I release the next batch of charts. I have the designs ready, I just need the stitching time!

Mostly, life is good. I don't know that I would have chosen the path with more challenges, but we don't grow when we're comfortable, so I trust that I'm growing a lot. Doodlebug has become a great worker for me, as well as with her music jobs, and I look forward to seeing when God leads her. Our four legged rascal is a year and a half old and has dominated the house. She isn't all that bright, but she's really cute. I think her brain is on a time delay from the rest of her - we have never had a cat go full speed into the couch so many times, chasing whatever toy catches her eye. She loves the foam nerf balls and we have to hide them each night or she will keep us awake. But she's cute.

Well, I seem to have forgotten to do an August 2023 update, so here goes

Life happened. It happened a lot. I'm sorry that I didn't get an update done here for the last batch of releases. I will remedy that right now!

MBT-302 He First Loved Us

Scripture from I John 4:19, We love because He first loved us. Model stitched with Gentle Art Sampler Thread on 32 ct. country French linen, Latte. Stitch count is 69w x 69h. I love this as a spring design, especially at the time when we are remembering His sacrifice and resurrection.

MBT-303 He Is Faithful

Scripture from Hebrews 10:23, He who promised is faithful. Model stitched with Weeks Dye Works thread on 28 ct. jobelan, Lambswool. Stitch count is 65w x 65h. Second in the short and sweet scripture circles, a companion to MBT-298 I Am With You Always. These would be so pretty stitched over one as ornaments!

MBT-304 The Good Fight

Scripture from 2 Timothy 4:7, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Model stitched with Weeks Dye Works thread on 32 ct. Fiber on a Whim hand dyed linen, Affogato. Stitch count is 97w x 65h.This is a design that is great as a pastor gift upon retirement, or a beautiful memorial piece. 

MBT-305 Christmas Pinkies VIII

Four amazing ornament designs on various fabrics and with so many fun threads. All of the details can be found on the website.

Thread Keep and Needle Minder Olivia Hare

Thread Keep and Needle Minder Blessed

May Releases

May has come upon our household quickly! The cat keeps growing, and finding new places to adventure (top of the kitchen cabinets!!!) and doodlebug is busier than ever with her music schedule. It has been a very rainy April, and you know the saying: April showers bring May...weeds. Lots and lots of weeds. The consolation in them is that they are really green when mowed and mostly blend in with the grass. The garden has produced a solid harvest on onions, and we are waiting on the tomatoes and peppers to ripen. As long as I can keep the birds away from the grapes, we may be able to make juice this year!

Now, on to the new releases! I've been putting in stitches whenever I can, usually during the Sunday afternoon nap time. I watch movies, everyone else sleeps. It works out :o)

MBT-298 I Am With You Always, Matthew 28:20

This will be a new series of designs, with a brief scripture in the middle and a beautiful ring of flowers. The colors can be easily updated to match your mood, and they are really quick to stitch for gifts. Model stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, Lambswool, with Weeks Dye Works thread.

MBT-299 Quoth the Stitcher

This one was sooooo much fun for me. I love all things sassy and sweet, and this fits both of those! Model stitched on 32 ct. Fiber on a Whim 32 ct. Belfast, Silver Fox, with Weeks Dye Works thread.

MBT-300 I Love to Tell the Story

I had a helper while stitching this hymn. She helped pick out the fabric. She laid herself down on my threads, and was in my lap for almost every x. Cats are so helpful. Model stitched on 32 ct. Fiber on a Whim 32 ct. Belfast, Latte, with Classic Colorworks thread.

MBT-301 Mighty to Save, Zephaniah 3:17

This is a verse of great comfort me. I'm never alone, and God is strong and mighty. Model stitched on 32 ct. Fiber on a Whim 32 ct. Belfast, Affogato, with Weeks Dye Works thread.

There are also a couple thread keeps that are being added to the shop line:

Antique Ship

Doxie Delight

Our goal for the coming months is hiking. Lots of hiking. We went to Lost Maples and Enchanted Rock a couple of weeks ago and it was so nice to be out in creation. It was the perfect time of year when it wasn't too humid and wasn't too hot, and on a weekday the trails were mostly empty. We hiked back in to see Monkey Rock at Lost Maples, and me, thinking we were alone, started making the goofiest monkey sounds to embarrass the seventeen year old. We weren't alone, and the other people were recording their visit. Oops! lol 

New for February 2023

It feels like whenever we have the start of a new year I wonder where the last one went. The past few months have gone quickly, with very few moments of quietness. Some craziness, some grieving, laughter and tears, all sorts of fellowship with family and friends, and all of it to be considered good. Lila continues to grow into the huge feet that she had, and has been taking over everything she can reach. There is nothing she considers to be off limits and no noise we can make that will deter her from getting into something. 

Doodlebug is working hard with her piano career and keeping me driving here and there. She has her license, now, (accckkk!!!) and is starting to do more trips on her own. I don't know how I'm going to handle it when she eventually leaves home - so I'm trying to be more focused on enjoying the next few years.

Now, on to all things stitchy! I have four new releases and three new thread keep and minders. They're all adorable.

MBT-294 Taste and See
Stitch count 71w x 71h
Stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, Lambswool, with Weeks Dye Works thread, framed in East Side Frames 6x6 CDBK. Companion design to MBT-233 Give Thanks to the Lord, MBT-237 Shout for Joy, MBT-243 My God and My Salvation, MBT-253 I Will Dwell, MBT-263 I Will Bless the Lord, MBT-275 The Earth is the Lord's.

MBT-295 Hope
Stitch count 99w x 59h
Stitched on 32 ct. linen, Artichoke, with Weeks Dye Works thread. Companion design to MBT-097 Peace, MBT-197 Love, and MBT-254 Grace.

MBT-296 Building Block Rest
Stitch count 126w x 126h
Stitched on 28 ct. Cashel linen, Cream, with Gentle Art Sampler thread. Companion design to (LOTS!) MBT-028 BB Love, MBT-029 BB Hope, MBT-033 BB Glory, MBT-034 BB Faith, MBT-039 BB Grace, MBT-043 BB Honor, MBT-047 BB Peace, MBT-057 BB Holy, MBT-065 BB Mercy, MBT-073 BB Pray, MBT-081 BB Reign, MBT-106 BB Joy, MBT-112 BB Truth, MBT-146 BB Serve, MBT-152 BB Power, MBT-163 BB Heal, MBT-210 BB Abide.

MBT-297 Create Beauty
Stitch count 63w x 63h
Stitched on 32 ct. country french linen, Cafe Mocha, with Gentle Art Sampler thread, framed in Signed and Numbered 4x4 circle opening, spray painted Satin Vintage Blush. Companion design to MBT-213 Choose Joy, MBT-217 Love Completely, MBT-221 Cherish Friends, MBT-225 Embrace Moments, MBT-229 Share Laughter, MBT-231 Treasure Family, MBT-239 Forgive Quickly, MBT-249 Live Peaceably, MBT-269 Count Blessings, MBT-279 Merry Christmas.

For accessories, I have three new coordinated items with a thread keep and needle minder, but you can order them separately:

Luna

Petunia

It Is Well

That is the MBT world, in a nutshell! The yard is starting to grow, the garden is calling, the trees need pruning, and the sun needs to be enjoyed (only until June, when Texas gets hot and really humid). I have a few new projects already in progress and look forward to the moments of x's. Hugs to all.

New for August 2022

 It is amazing how fast the year is already going by. What has been my distraction, you ask? Besides the normal insanity of church life and a very active teen, we added this little creature and her name is Lila.

Don't be fooled. She truly is a bundle of incredible energy and she gets into everything. Everything. Our fifteen year old cat made her final trip to the vet a month and a half ago, and with the joys of living in the country we needed something to chase away the creepy crawlies that find their way into our home. 

Now on to all things stitchy! The Expo is coming up next weekend and be sure to check out shop pages for all of the previews of new goodies from your favorite designers. I have a ton of stuff coming out. Five, yes FIVE new charts and a bunch of accessories. So... here we go!

MBT-289 Gracious Words

Proverbs 16:24  Gracious words are as honeycomb sweet to the soul and health to the body. Model stitched on Picture This Plus 36 ct. linen, Heartland, with Weeks Dye Works thread.

MBT-290 All in Love

I Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love. Model stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, Lambswool, with Weeks Dye Works thread.

MBT-291 Which Came First?

Which came first the needle or the thread? I was feeling philosophical :o) Model stitched on 32 ct. jobelan, Antique White, with Weeks Dye Works thread.

MBT-292 Strength and Dignity

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs without fear of the future. Model stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, China Pearl, with Gentle Art Sampler Thread.

MBT-293 No Greater Joy

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear of my children walking in the truth. Model stitched on Fiber on a Whim 32 ct. Belfast linen, Affogato, with Weeks Dye Works thread.

I hope you enjoy the designs as much as I did. Now, on to the accessories!

Love Coffee Fob/Pin Set

Love Ewe Fob/Pin Set

Love Fall Fob/Pin Set

Pin Tin Just Beachy

Pin Tin Perfectly Purple

Holiday Specialty Fob Set

Bone Dance Thread Keep (I love those old cartoons!)

Classic Cats Thread Keeps

Like a lot of the US, we have been dealing with weather struggles. It has been brutally hot and dry, so the garden has been struggling and the yard has raised the white flag. I've been nursing along the raised beds and am hoping that we will get another round of tomatoes before winter hits. One cute surprise was a fluffle of baby rabbits that were birthed in one of the garden boxes. I guess they found the coolest place to start their family and I have given up on harvest in that part of the garden. Such is life :o)

New for May 2022!

It's hard to imagine that it has been so many months since I released new chart designs. For years I have been pretty faithful about new releases every 3-4 months, but we've had a doozy of a start to this year. We did end up moving (again!!!) and it was into a property that needed a lot of work. It still needs a lot of work, but it is functional for hosting home group and getting my grape vines in the ground, so we're starting to find a new rhythm to life. The scriptures I've been working on will give you a bit of a hint about how things have progressed, and each day I am grateful that His mercies are new.

MBT-285 Thy Word
~Psalm 119:105

The model is stitched on 30 ct. Weeks Dye Works linen, Grey, with Gentle Art Sampler Thread. This pattern is a companion design to MBT-150 Griefs and Sorrows and MBT-206 Be of Good Courage. All of these models are stitched with three strands over three threads on linen, so that it looks like very rustic x's on fine fabric and has a lovely finish. They also look great stitched more traditionally on any fabric you prefer. Stitch count is 58w x 86h

MBT-286 I Will Not Be Shaken
~Psalm 62:6

The model is stitched on Fiber on a Whim 32 ct. Belfast, Affogato, with Weeks Dye Works thread. This pattern is a companion design to MBT-281 Refuge and Strength, and there will be at least two more in this series. When stitched on this fabric it fits a standard sized 5x7 frame, and I used Green Tree Gallery #638676 5x7 Wood with Etched Leaves. Stitch count is 67w x 99h

MBT-287 Be Anxious for Nothing
~Philippians 4:6-7

There are two very special women who encouraged this one to come to fruition and it was with prayer that I made each stitch. This is one of those verses that is an incredible comfort in that God knows we tend towards anxiousness, yet He gives us the answer to it - prayer with gratitude. The model is stitched on Picture This Plus 32 ct. Belfast, Fog, with Weeks Dye Works thread. When stitched on 32 ct. fabric it fits a standard sized 9x12 frame, and I used Studio Decor #546710 Blue Wash 9x12. Stitch count is 123w x 171h.

MBT-288 The Spirit Given
~2 Timothy 1:7

The model is stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, Ivory, with Weeks Dye Works thread. This pattern is a companion design to MBT-183 Trust in Him, MBT-192 Hope and a Future, MBT-211 My Soul Finds Rest, MBT-219 Still Waters, MBT-258 New Mercies (and there is another one in the works!). The frame I used is by East Side Frames PADT 7-1/2 x 7-1/2. Stitch count is 92w x 92h.

Also released are some spring fobs that were a delight to create. 

I'm already looking for time to stitch the next round of releases and each little x is a treasure.

Last new batch for 2021

 A very heartfelt December greeting to you all. It has been a bit of a crazy past few weeks and I am really behind in updating things. Good news - we found a house (again!). News - it needs work (lots!). I've traded my x's for physical labor and we are making our way through cleaning, flooring, sheet rock, painting, roofing, plumbing, electrical aaannnnd coral snakes and tarantulas. I know there is incredible beauty in God's creation, but I have a hard time finding it in things with eight furry legs or that slither. 

On that note :o) I have four new charts, new keeps and minders, and fobs to match the Gingher Rynn scissors.

MBT-281 Refuge and Strength Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. I always say that I stitch what I'm going through, and this is my life. Clinging onto the Rock of my salvation. God says He is our refuge, which means we must need one! He is always there in our trouble, which means we will have trouble! This pattern is the first in a series of at least three. All are on the same fabric, which is the most beautiful hand dyed linen by Fiber on a Whim, 32 ct. Belfast, "Affogato". The threads are by Weeks Dye Works. The most amazing frame is by Green Tree Gallery.

MBT-282 Exceptional Friends

Behind every exceptional woman is a best friend supporting her crazy ideas. I often doubt my ideas. It helps to have a best friend that is there for the highs and lows, pushing me to do better or reminding me that I can take time to breathe. My husband is the constant best friend, but there are many incredible women who are also in my corner and nudging me on - even when it seems crazy. The model is stitched on 32 ct. jobelan, "Queen Anne's Lace," with Weeks Dye Works thread. 

MBT-283 My Jesus, I Love Thee

This hymn is one that I love to sing. It reminds me of the sacrifice He made when he paid the price for my iniquity. The model is stitched on 28 ct. country french linen, "Golden Needle," with Gentle Art Sampler Thread. Frame by Green Tree Gallery.

MBT-284 The Peace of Christ Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. This season of Christmas is a reminder for me of the birth of Christ, the celebration of His humble beginnings, and a renewed focus on surrender. Model is stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, "Ivory," with Weeks Dye Works Thread. 

For the new accessories, there are so many!

Merry Christmas Needle Minder

Reindeer Needle Minders

Gingher Rynn Scissor Fobs - full length and mini

Christmas Thread Keeps

Reindeer Thread Keeps

With all of my craziness with the house and life, these all started reaching your favorite shops a couple of weeks ago. I pray that you find peace in this season of life, joy and comfort in the art you love, and time to rejoice even when the mountain looks too high to climb. Many hugs.